Portrait of Desmond Paul Henry, pioneer of machine-generated visual effects and mechanical drawing machines

Desmond Paul Henry

1921-2004

Desmond Paul Henry was a Manchester University Lecturer and Reader in Philosophy who became one of the first British artists to experiment with machine-generated visual effects at the time of the emerging global computer art movement of the 1960s. His mechanical drawing machines, built from analog computer components, created complex abstract compositions that challenged traditional notions of artistic authorship and laid crucial groundwork for contemporary autonomous art practices.

Featured in 1 exhibition • 1 artwork available
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Curriculum Vitae

Select Exhibitions

  • 1966 Computer Art Exhibition, ICA, London
  • 1968 Cybernetic Serendipity, ICA, London

Collections

  • Victoria & Albert Museum, London
  • Computer Arts Society Archive

Works

Diagram for Zoology of Antigeos (G) by Desmond Paul Henry - Machine-generated white and red India ink drawing from 1966

Diagram for "Zoology of Antigeos" (G)

Art Basel, Switzerland 2025

1966

Available

CHF 12,000

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